Catena High Mountain Vines Chardonnay 2016, Mendoza, Argentina: A full-bodied Argentine white wine made with classic Chardonnay grapes that has been oak aged. Aromas of green apple and vanilla spice. Balanced, rich, luscious and lasting. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2017-2021. 918805 14% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. August 4, 2018
Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Baco Noir 2016, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A full-bodied, rich Niagara Baco with aromas of black fruit, toasty oak and smoke. Perfect for grilled meats. Drink: 2016-2021. 461699 13.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 94/100. August 28, 2018
Top Rated Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 Sparkling 2016, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada: So pretty, floral, strawberry blossom exotic. Like a good dream from which you don't want to awaken. Perfect summer day in the middle of your winter world. Drink: 2016-2020. 256289 6.50% MS 750 mL $25.95 Score: 94/100. July 3, 2018
Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review
Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Meritage 2015, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Wow, what a spectacular red wine blend of Cabernet and Merlot grapes! This Niagara producer has made the most of the amazing 2015 vintage. Complex, concentrated, rich and satisfying with a long finish. Loaded with dark fruit and smoke. Highly recommended. Drink: 2018-2023. 594002 12.50% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 90/100. March 3, 2018
Top Rated Red Wine. Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review
Sperling Vineyards Old Vines Riesling 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada: Another gorgeous wine from winemaker Ann Sperling. The Riesling grapes for this BC white wine grow on old vines that were panted in 1978. The depth and concentration shows in the wine. Aromas of peach, apricot and wet stone. Pair with seafood and shellfish. Drink: 2017-2024. 361204 11.50% D 750 mL $34.00 Score: 95/100. July 5, 2018
Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Riesling 2016, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Heavy clay soils and 30-year-old vines both contribute to incredible depth, flavour and complexity in this vibrant Niagara Riesling. Aromas of lime zest and lemongrass. The grape yield is kept to just 2 tons per acre to concentrate the flavour. It's also press fractioned to use the best juice and whole cluster pressed. A long, satisfying finish. Pair with vegetarian dishes, roast turkey and roast chicken. Drink: 2018-2025. 643361 12% D 750 mL $47.95 Score: 93/100. November 24, 2018
Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Westcott Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2016, Vinemount Ridge, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Terrific balance in this lovely, full-bodied Chardonnay that offers seductive aromas of toasted bread, green apple and smoke. Very Burgundian in its balance and elegance. This wine was aged in French oak barrels for 11 months, of which one-third was new. Pair with roasted chicken.
Drink: 2018-2022. 424507 12.60% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100. July 7, 2018
Top Rated White Wine. Full Review
Flat Rock The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2016, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Full-bodied with so much going for it. On the nose this gold Chardonnay is baked apple dumpling, pear compote, fresh pastry and lemon. Love this Niagara Chardonnay: voluptuous but balanced. Chardonnay that is the liquid version of worn-in jeans. Comfy, familiar, just right. Almost full-bodied, this tongue-loving, caressing white wine will be perfect tonight when you kick back with some buttered popcorn and an old movie. Drink: 2018-2022. 1552 13% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 91/100. July 7, 2018
Top Rated White Wine. Celebrated Chicken and Cream Sauce Wine Full Review
Reif Estate Winery Riesling Reserve 2017, Niagara-on-the-lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A gorgeous, mouth-watering Niagara Riesling with aromas of lime, lemongrass, chives and wet stone. A deep core of minerality. Light-bodied yet bursting with flavour. Pair with fresh seafood. Drink: 2018-2023. 12.50% D 750 mL $20.15 Score: 93/100. April 14, 2020
Best Value White Wine. Full Review
Charles Baker Wines Picone Vineyard Riesling 2016, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A classic, mouth-watering Riesling from the Vinemount Ridge's wine region. Lime-lemon zest and tropical fruit with a whiff of petrol aromas on the nose with bright apple, lime zest and white pepper spice on the palate with a lingering clean mineral finish. Crips and clean. Pair with smoked whitefish, pan-fried perch or Doré. Drink: 2020-2025. 241182 10.50% M 750 mL $36.95 Score: 96/100. March 6, 2020
Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Carmen Gran Reserva Carmenère 2015, El Peñasco Vineyard, Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile: The 2015 vintage of the Carmen Gran Reserva is made from mostly Carmenère grapes, and the wine is matured in French oak for 10 months. The soils in which this full-bodied Chilean Carmenère is planted are granitic (granite) and well-suited to the deeply penetrating Carmenère vine roots. Shallower soils and steep slopes moderate the vines' vigour and concentrate flavour. The climate in Apalta is also ideal for this varietal with 29 to 33 degree Celsius average daytime temperatures a and mild nights during the growing season. Finishes with dark spices and vanilla smoke. This classic Chilean red wine is savoury, dark and complex with a chewy, full-bodied mid-palate. Layers of black fruit with a long finish. The Carmenère grapes are sourced from the El Peñasco Vineyard. Superbly crafted for this price. Great structure and persistence of flavours on the finish. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2018-2022. 439166 14% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. March 3, 2018
Best Value Red Wine. Heavenly Hamburger Wine Full Review
Château La Tour De L'évêque Rosé 2017, Côtes De Provence, Provence A.C., France: Château La Tour De L'évêque 2017 is a Rosé from the Côtes De Provence in France. Made by Régine Sumeire, the wine is medium-bodied and bone dry. The wine blend is made from Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Rolle and Semillon wine grapes with fermentation in stainless steel tank. The vines from which this rosé is sourced have been organically farmed since 2005.This lively French rosé not only offers wild strawberry notes, it also has a little white pepper for intrigue and pleasure. Medium-bodied, dry from Régine Sumeire, Propreitor-récolt. One of the most respected rosé producers in Provence: consistently great year after year. Drink: 2018-2020. 319392 13.50% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. July 7, 2018
Best Value Rosé Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Alsace Willm Gewürztraminer Reserve 2016, Alscae, France: Rich and viscous with apricot preserves and honeysuckle loveliness. Medium bodied. Perfect for mild to medium curries and spices. Drink: 2018-2022. 269852 12.50% MD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. July 5, 2018
Best Value White Wine. Spectacular Spicy Wine Full Review
Georges Duboeuf Belles Grives Morgon 2014, Beaujolais A.C., France: The lovely 2014 vintage of the French red wine Morgon Belles Grives from renowned wine producer Georges duBoeuf offers notes of dark cherry and berry with a lick of spice. Supple and smooth and medium-bodied. Pair with veal. Drink: 2017-2019. 487173 13.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 90/100. July 21, 2018
Best Value Red Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review
M. Chapoutier Les Vignes De Bila-Haut 2016, Côtes Du Roussillon Villages, Midi A.C., France: Another staggeringly great value from Chapoutier: the man has the Midas touch with wine. Full-bodied, layered and complex with aromas of black fruit and pepper. Yes the price is so low for this quality. Buy a case for summer parties. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2017-2022. 168716 13.50% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. July 3, 2018
Best Value Red Wine. Charming Grilled Chicken Wine Full Review
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne 2008, Champagne A.C., France: A lovely, mature Champagne with toasted almond and dried fig. Serve chilled as an aperitif. Drink: 2017-2022. 240085 12% XD 750 mL $56.95 Score: 92/100. August 4, 2018
Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Remarkable Roast Chicken Wine Full Review
Castello di Gabbiano Promessa Pinot Grigio 2014, Italy: A fresh, crisp, clean Italian Pinot Grigio with lime zest and lemon notes on the nose, palate and finish. Racy acidity makes this ideal as a chilled aperitif or companion to fresh seafood, salads and shellfish. Drink: 2014-2017. 77990 12.50% XD 750 mL $17.00 Score: 89/100. March 5, 2016
Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review
Eugenio Collavini Viticultori Pinot Grigio 2015, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy: Mild, light-bodied Pinot Grigio that's not highly aromatic. Serve chilled as an aperitif.
Drink: 2015-2017. 33340 12.50% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 85/100. November 9, 2016
Best Value White Wine. Full Review
Storia Antica Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2016, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: The 2016 vintage of Storia Antica (translates to ancient history) is a great value Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore from the Veneto wine region, with rich dark fruit, smoky and toasty on the palate. Generous oak is well woven with rich black fruit, mocha and dark chocolate. Savoury, dark and delicious with full-bodied weight and incredible concentration of flavour. Long finish. Great wine. Well-structured and balanced with supple tannins, this is a comfort wine and a perfect pairing to slow-braised beef ribs and rich meat dishes. Drink: 2018-2024. 273672 14% D 750 mL $18.25 Score: 91/100. May 17, 2019
Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
Bodegas Ateca Old Vines Garnacha 2006, D.O. Calatayud, Spain: This wine is made from Garnacha grapes, with vines that are 80-120 years old. Juicy, full-bodied and delicious: wow! Mouth-wateringly ripe, fleshy blackberries and black raspberries. Smooth, velvet texture. Absolutely yummy. Drink: 2008-2012. 103473 14.60% XD 750 mL $23.00 Score: 93/100. March 14, 2009
Favorite Red Wine. Full Review
Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2015, Lodi, California, United States: A spectacular Californian Zinfandel from one of the state's top producers. Aromas of cigar box, black plums, smoke and dark spice. Ideal for grilled meats and hamburgers. Drink: 2015-2021. 942599 14.50% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. September 1, 2018
Best Value Red Wine. Harmonious Hard Cheese Wine Full Review